Navarre Pier 6/11/06

[photohikedive]

I have heard that there is some interesting diving to be done at the old fishing pier in Navarre. I have recruited MDB to join me in another reconnaissance mission to see how this pans out. Of course I will try to get some shots with the camera. A snorkle expidition might be first, then if it looks good, back to the truck to gear up. Spearfishing is also supposed to be decent at this location, so we will try for that as well. If anyone wishes to join us, feel free to drop me a line.

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

:light: Bah, how dare you dive a site that I haven't dove yet.

Have fun, I expect a decent report with pictures. Watch out with the spearfishing, the laws are 'fishy' and can go either way - depending on the law, you may have more trouble than not!

 

[photohikedive]

some men must venture where others fear to tread

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Which is exactly why I'm taking the veteran'd ocean explorer/dive yacht, Miss Jellyfish out today in search of a 'perilous' new(to me), old, shallow paddlewheeler wreck. Things are gonna get ugly, 10-20' visibility and shin high surf, beautiful sirens calling for us with the attention of getting us 'beached', its a rough life. Its OK if you are content with your pier dive

 

[photohikedive]

Content with my pier dive? You, at least, have the luxury of a boat! We have the dangers of the pier falling on us while we make the mile long swim to the far end of it. I read the reports of what is out there, and man, dolphins can be MEAN! The thought of one 3" surge slamming me against the concrete piling, just makes my scalp itch. Add to that the possibility we might not be able to see much beyond one piling to the next, chills the spine!

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Ah, but with a boat, comes more potential hazards. What if the monster 10hp Tohatsu decides to go belly up. We may be forced to break out paddles and sweat a bit. Horrible.

We'll be above water with the sun reflecing on us from all angles, ample amounts of sunscreen will have to be used to protect our skin from incineration.

I don't want to even get into what would occur should we strike an object(iceburg?!) and puncture the hull!

 

[photohikedive]

I don't want to even get into what would occur should we strike an object(iceburg?!) and puncture the hull!

or if the urge was to overcome you to stand on the bow, and shout " I am the king of the world"

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

I've yet to see a report, how was it?

 

[photohikedive]

Here's your stinkin report....

Yes, the pier dive was a wash. Waves were beating around the pilings. MDB and I decided it wasn't worth the pounding after speaking to one guy who came out holding a speargun. According to him, the vis was about 2 feet.

So, we made our way to the jetties. We had just got parked when the OMITTED one drove by without saying hello. We grabbed snorkle gear and headed for the water.

Down at the shore we could see the waves working outside the jetties, but the dive area looked calm. We were being decieved. It was a whirlpool behind the rocks. The tide was coming in hard, and the current was swirling enough that it made a calm spot in the center. I could hold my breath, dip down, and do a 20 foot circle before coming back up for air.

Everyone was crammed up along the rocks, snorkling, getting sucked out, then fighting back in. There was at least one couple who called their dive. Another pair of divers were observed by MDB as being sucked out around the jetty as if they were "being towed".

We had as much fun as we could in that madhouse. But after about an hour we called it quits, and made our way home.

 

[photohikedive]

I've yet to see a report, how was it?

I don't see any reports of your jellyfish ride..